TelstraSuper helps reunite $4.3 million in lost super

A team of volunteers – including three TelstraSuper staff members – have gone outback to help Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples sort their super.

First nations TelstraSuper volunteers

The Big Super Day Out is a community event run by an Indigenous charity, First Nations Foundation  established to help First Australians find their lost super, consolidate accounts, and become more educated about the benefits that super offers.

The first series of events were held in Broome, Kununurra and Darwin at the end of the July. Around 30 volunteers including staff from different super funds, the Australian Tax Office, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) and financial counsellors helped find over $4.3 million in lost super for locals. 

TelstraSuper Executive Manager, Marketing and Digital, Jean-Luc Ambrosi who volunteered at the Broome event said that he was delighted with the results but there was still more work to be done.

“The success of these events demonstrates why it’s so important for super funds to be involved – there’s such a big need for support in these communities and we all need to do our part to make sure the system is delivering for all members,” he said.

Mr Ambrosi reported spending more than three-hours with one local man who had previously tried to sort out his super with no success.

“Remote location combined with lack of appropriate documentation makes it almost impossible for some people to be able to take simple actions with their super, it’s clear the system needs to evolve.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face many unique challenges in accessing super including verification of identity, communication and literacy issues, different cultural practices and relationships, and life expectancy differences.

TelstraSuper was involved in resourcing the Big Super Day Out events as part of its partnership with event organiser, First Nations Foundation, that was announced earlier this year.

$2.65 million in lost super was located in a single day in Broome, with a further $1.45 million tracked down in Kununurra.  

How can you get on top of your super?

Make sure we have your up-to-date contact details so you don’t lose track of your money
Use our handy online tool to search for super you may have forgotten about
Consider combining multiple accounts to avoid paying multiple account fees (see what to think about here)
If you’re having problems accessing the super system, contact us to see how we can help

Any general advice has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before you act on any general advice, you should consider whether it is appropriate to your individual circumstances. Before making any decision, you should obtain and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination or call us on 1300 033 166 for copies of these documents. You may wish to consult an adviser before you make any decisions relating to your financial affairs. To speak with an Adviser from TelstraSuper Financial Planning call 1300 033 166.